Melissa Bliss Photography is a Hampton Roads wedding and lifestyle photographer who captures authentic moments in beautiful timeless professional photos for newborns, families, children, engagements and weddings in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Williamsburg, VA and the surrounding areas. Also available for travel.

First Year Photos at Regent University - Norfolk, VA Child Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing this little cutie when she was just a few week old. And what fun it was to see how much she’s grown! We shot her one year old portraits at the lovely Regent University Campus.

Mom brought this sweet girlie to me in her darling first year photo shoot tutu. And this little gem brought all of her fabulous personality to the shoot! I could just eat her up, she’s so cute!!

I mean, those cheeks!!! How could I not fall in love with this doll face?

I also heard a little rumor that this little beauty is going to become a big sister before too long - yay!

We managed to squeeze all of that adorable into just one mini session. Can you believe it?

Thank you, Miss T,. for bringing such joy to our session! It was such a treat to see you again. - XOXO, Melissa

February 10 on 10 - Portraits in the City- Norfolk, VA

If you popped in last month you may remember that I've taken on a new personal creative project and joined a fantastically talented group of photographers in a monthly 10 on 10 blog circle. On the 10th day of each month, we will each post 10 images and link to another member of the blog circle to create a loop of shared creativity. Sounds fun right?

Earlier this month I took my girls to Norfolk's NEON art district for a mini shoot. It was a warmish, sunny afternoon and we enjoyed exploring the local shops and murals. I love the long shadows the sun creates in the cityscape, and the bright pops of color everywhere.

There are tons of cool paintings and interesting spots to explore, all within just a few blocks. We wandered and shot for about 45 minutes, then grabbed a couple smoothies and a cappuccino at a local eatery. It was a fun little outing and I'm delighted with the unique images I was able to create in a short amount of time.

I always love shooting in the city. I don't know why I don't do it more often. I can't wait to go back and shoot some more. Now I'm wondering, if you could have a session anywhere, where would you love to go?

That's it for this month. I hope you will continue on with the circle and see what awesomeness my friend Brandi at Retro Angel Photography has created this month. Thanks for visiting! -Melissa

A New Year and a new project! As we dig into 2018, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. I am incredibly grateful for the continued growth of my business during 2017, and for the many marvelous clients who put their faith in me. I love what I do, and I am honored to be able to meet and serve so many truly wonderful couples and families. I have gotten to know some seriously awesome peeps that I probably would not have otherwise encountered. That just plain rocks.

I will admit though, that running a full time business requires a huge investment of time and energy, and I am guilty of letting my own personal agenda tumble down the priority ladder. This year, I'd like to get back to the fun and freedom of creating for no other reason than to feed my soul.

Taking time to experiment with new tools and techniques, or to simply pick up my camera and go wherever a whim takes me, is crucial to my growth as an artist and to my sanity. To that end, and for a bit of accountability, I have joined up with a group of insanely talented artists to participate in a 10 on 10 blog circle. (Seriously, these women blow my mind on the regular and inspire me to reach higher. I know they will inspire you too.) We will each be posting 10 images on the 10th of every month, and linking within that post to another member of the circle.

I decided to start my blog series with some portraits for a few reasons: First, I am looooong over due for portraits of my kiddos - they are each at least 2 feet taller then the last time I did this! And while I prefer documentary style images most of the time, my mama heart does love a great portrait of those young faces every once in a while. I also find myself drawn to the portraiture of artists like Annie Leibovitz, Yousef Karsh and Helmut Newton. I've often pondered taking my work more in that direction, so it's worth exploring, right? Even if I fail, or never decide take my business down that path, I am certain to learn a few things along the way! And with this project - anything goes, so I won't hold myself to rules about lighting ratios, posing, or post processing a particular way. Freedom reigns!

So, these images of my children aren't particularly imaginative. I know. Like most kids with photographer's child syndrome, none of them are especially enamored with being photographed. They didn't dress up for the occasion and they gave me just a few minutes each. I try to be respectful of their limits and their privacy. My goal was to produce something that was unaffected and undeniably them.

Simple portraits yes, but I love them. And truth be told, I think my kids enjoyed the extra attention. ;) Maybe next month I will delve deeper into portraits and see where I end up.

Here are a few favorite portraits I have made in recent years. I'm curious, what's your favorite type of photography?

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to check out the amazing images of my talented friends by continuing on with the circle. Up next, Shannon Kathleen Photography shares her artistry with you!

Hey there friends - I've got something fun to share with you today! This one year old portrait session was pretty much the greatest thing ever. I mean, adorable doesn't even begin to cover it.

This little cutie's dad is an air-traffic controller at the Newport News/Williamsburg airport. Mom and Dad both wanted an extra special first birthday session for their handsome little man, and a vintage airplane theme was top priority. We scheduled a session for early fall, near Little Man's first birthday.

Luckily, Dad was to able to arrange some time with a local pilot at his hangar - and with a PT19 no less! How cool is that?! Mom and Dad did all of the session styling and prop creation on their own. I think it is safe to say they nailed it!

Even though I was sick as a dog on the morning we shot, I was excited to see it all come together. Despite the early hour and morning chill, Little Man was a great sport. I had to work quickly so he didn't get too cold, and that hat only stayed on for about 45 seconds, but it was all so worth it! I love how their gallery turned out and they are thrilled.

After the airplane session, we headed over to The Mariner's Museum Park for a few quick family photos before nap time.

By the time we wrapped things up I was ready for a nap too, ha ha. It was such a fun morning though and I'm so happy it all worked out so well.

Thank you Pepin family for such an amazing session! I can't wait to see you all again soon!

-XO Melissa

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Norfolk Child Photographer, Fort Monroe Portrait Session

One of the best things about my job, aside from getting to meet so many interesting people, is being able watch families grown and change over the years. I love seeing the same clients year after year, and learning all about how their interests, hobbies and family dynamic have changed.

This beautiful family has been with me almost from the beginning of my business and it's a treat to see them each year!

Mom plans a session each year to document Jack's growth. We've done some fun shoots! We started with superheroes and moved onto a bookworm phase, a new puppy and this year, we headed to Fort Monroe for some slightly more mature portraits. (Want more? See a previous child portrait session at Red Wing Park.)

Jack has such a great smile and a kind heart. He is a good kid with an awesome mama. He enjoys school, soccer, books, hanging out with friends, and playing with his Great Dane. I know he'll do great things with his life. I can't wait to see what next year brings!

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